The President of the Republic of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has hosted retired Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside several other former African heads of state during a high-level retreat in Libreville focused on peace, security, and stability across the continent.

The engagement formed part of the 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa, which concluded in the Gabonese capital after several days of strategic discussions among continental leaders.

According to a statement shared by Uhuru Kenyatta’s office on Monday, May 25, 2026, the retreat provided a platform for reflection and dialogue on Africa’s ongoing peace and security challenges, as well as mechanisms for strengthening stability across conflict-prone regions.

The session brought together current and former leaders, diplomats, and senior officials to assess progress on peace initiatives and reinforce cooperation in addressing emerging threats on the continent.

“H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, hosted H.E. President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta alongside fellow former Heads of State for a retreat and reflection session as the 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa concluded in Libreville,” the statement reads in part.

High-level attendance

The retreat was attended by several prominent former and serving African leaders, including former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, former Burundi President Domitien Ndayizeye, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe Patrice Emery Trovoada.

Also present was the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,Gabon Amb. Bankole Adeoye, who participated in discussions on strengthening continental security frameworks.

“Among those present were H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, and H.E. Patrice Emery Trovoada. Also present was H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,” the office of the fourth president stated.

Uhuru’s continued diplomatic role

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has remained active in regional and continental peace initiatives, continues to play a key role in mediation efforts under various African Union-backed frameworks.

He arrived in Libreville, Gabon, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, for a high-level African peace and security retreat that drew diplomats, mediators, and regional leaders seeking new approaches to conflict resolution across the continent.

The gathering, formally known as the 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa, comes at a moment of mounting concern over prolonged conflicts, political instability, and fragile peace agreements in several African states.

Organisers said this year’s discussions would focus on strengthening ceasefires, promoting national dialogue, and advancing reconciliation efforts aimed at achieving what participants described as “durable peace” across the continent.